10 (More) Apps For Water And Wastewater Professionals

Like the first entry, this app has a heavy focus on treatment calculations, but is designed specifically for the wastewater operator/engineer. It includes more than 75 formulas covering wastewater processes such as activated sludge treatment, sludge digestion and production, chlorination and chemical addition, pumping horsepower and efficiency, and even lab procedures.

Capacity and aging pipelines are a well-documented problem in the water and wastewater industries. If you have damaged wastewater pipes, this app can help you determine how much infiltration you’re getting based upon the size of the break or hole — because knowing is half the battle.

Trimble® Connect™ takes the whole “knowledge is power” concept to the next level, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to perform asset management and enable decision-making in water, wastewater, and stormwater operations. The app collects and connects data from supporting apps — powered by Esri ArcGis — including Meter Change-out, Leak Repair, Manhole Inspector, Valve Inspector, Water Mapper, Wastewater Mapper, and Stormwater Mapper. Details and information can be viewed shared throughout the utility’s workforce.

This description is fast and simple, just like the app. Created specifically for wastewater professionals, WaterUnits provides conversions for various units — metric (SI), imperial (US), or those added by the user.

Through a series of questions, the Water Corrosion Analyzer can help you evaluate corrosivity, scale-buildup tendency, and risk level. The diagnosis considers saturation index and electrochemical corrosion performance parameters such as corrosive ions, galvanic corrosion, water velocity, and corrosive bacteria. Based on the indicators and analysis, the app then offers practical solutions to avoid damage and metal loss due to corrosion.

Need to calculate a pipe diameter? Many downloads and reviews suggest that this app is as quick and easy as it claims. Enter the desired stream flow velocity and known volume or mass flow rate, and the app will calculate the proper internal diameter requirements for round pipe. Conversely, run a check on stream velocity by entering the known internal pipe diameter and flow rate.

For those who go with Apple (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) instead of Android, Georg Fischer Piping Systems offers an alternative app for pipe diameter and flow velocity calculations. Designed for on-site planning when no piping system "expert" is nearby, the app allows you to forward calculated measurements via e-mail. And like the old Etch-A-Sketch, you can shake your mobile device to clear and reset.

ProTek Water Pro is another calculation app, but it’s notable and included on the list for its everything-and-the-kitchen-sink scope. Suitable for both water utility professionals and engineers, it can calculate pump power, flow rate, head, and efficiency; flow rates for full-pipe open-discharge and open-channel rectangular weirs;  water loss for three different types of water line breaks (holes, cracks, and circular breaks); and all the common formulas and unit conversions, in either US or SI units. It also includes “disinfection estimators” for tanks and pipelines.

This app is designed for macro-level insight into operations, guiding municipalities to effective utility management (EUM) and sustainability. It contains assessment and benchmarking tools that work in conjunction with EUM and Sustainability training.